Understanding the importance of undergoing a dental exam is something everyone needs to do. While many people think this type of dental appointment simply looks for cavities, it is in fact an appointment that supports good oral health. This is because a dental professional will look for a number of different types of dental problems that can potentially cause dental-related problems.
Wondering how often one needs to undergo a dental exam? It depends. While the rule of thumb is every six months, some people need to be seen more often and some people need to be seen less often. According to MedlinePlus, these exams are important for protecting oral health, as oral health problems can become serious and painful if not treated promptly. Ready to learn what happens when someone makes a dental examination appointment?
The information below explains what one can expect to happen when undergoing a dental examination. It is important for patients to let their dental professional know if they have been diagnosed with any health issues, e.g., heart problems, diabetes or immune system problems.
Dental X-rays are necessary, as they show images of one’s teeth that show things that cannot be seen with the naked eye. For example, these images can show if someone has a cavity, if they have any stage of gum disease, if they are experiencing any bone loss as well as any other potential dental issues that will likely cause future oral problems. While bite-wing X-rays are the type of X-rays many people are familiar with, panoramic X-rays are becoming more common.
After X-rays are taken, the dental professional will look inside the patient's mouth to perform a general mouth examination. Things they will check for include making sure the bite is not experiencing any problems, making sure there are no signs of oral cancer and an overall look at the gums and teeth to see if there are any problems that can be seen visually.
A dental cleaning is performed in order to remove any existing plaque and/or tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar contain bad bacteria, which will only continue to build until these two harmful substances are removed from the teeth. Additional procedures include flossing and brushing the patient's teeth and receiving a fluoride treatment. Patients can expect this part of the exam to take about 30 to 40 minutes, with the entire exam taking about one hour to complete.
In need of a dental exam? The sooner an appointment is made, the sooner one can understand the current status of their dental health. It is easier to treat any dental problems when they are in their earliest stages, making it a good idea for everyone to make regular dental examination appointments. When it comes to how often these appointments need to be made, it depends on each patient, e.g., three months, six months, nine months or one year.
Request an appointment here: https://artofdentistrytx.com or call Art of Dentistry at (817) 550-0134 for an appointment in our Arlington office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health because it removes buildups of plaque and tartar. Additionally, they keep the teeth and gums appearing healthy and strong. Routine dental cleanings are typically done in a general dentistry setting because general dentists are the main point of contact for ensuring good dental…
While many people believe that at-home oral hygiene is enough to maintain good oral health, regular dental cleaning appointments are actually crucial. Without regular dental cleanings, the teeth and gums are susceptible to infection and decay, both of which can be detrimental to their oral and overall health.General dentists recommend dental cleaning appointments twice a…
Preventive dentistry can support your efforts to keep your mouth healthy, including practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding things that can damage your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but sometimes it is…
Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping your mouth healthy in order to save you money. It starts with you taking good care of your mouth at home by brushing at least two times per day, flossing daily, and avoiding things that can damage teeth. Preventive dentistry also includes procedures performed…
A root canal may seem like a complex procedure, but it is a routine process…
Let us take a look at a few of the benefits of preventive dental care.
The right cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and dental function at the same time.
Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…
Dental sealants provide extra protection to teeth, especially for those more prone to tooth decay.
When visiting the kid friendly dentist, families can expect activities geared toward the children.